Workers across Scotland have been targeted by a new national media campaign warning them of the hidden killer - asbestos.  The Health and Safety Executive have launched a new web campaign https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/hiddenkiller/index.htm advising of the dangers.   The campaign will also feature in local and national newspapers.

The HSE have reported that every week around 20 people die from asbestos related diseases.  Unfortunately the number of deaths due to asbestos exposure is still rising.

Plumbers, joiners and electricians are the tradesmen most at risk.Mesothelioma, which is caused by breathing in asbestos fibres, caused more than 2,000 Scottish deaths from 1981 to 2005.

Anyone working on a building that was built or rebuilt before 2000 could be exposed to asbestos.  The problem is that when you are being exposed to it, there are no warning signs. These diseases will not affect you immediately; they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything.

It is suggested that about 500,000 non domestic buildings in  the UK contain asbestos and asbestos exposure is a real threat to workmen in the UK. Many people are of the mistaken belief that this is a historic illness.  However asbestos is one of the biggest industrial killers in the UK.  Figures suggest that more people die of asbestos related diseases every year in Scotland than in Road Traffic accidents.

Tradesmen are being urged to check the asbestos status of properties before they start working.

If you or a family member suffers from any form of asbestos related disease, be it mesothelioma, asbestosis or pleural plaques then contact Thompsons today on 0800 0891 331 or complete the claim form below and we can help you win the compensation you deserve.